TTBWA Appeals to Candidates to Improve Lives of Blind and Visually Impaired

Addressing the Challenges Faced by the Blind and Visually Impaired

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC -The Trinidad and Tobago Blind Welfare Association (TTBWA) Monday appealed to all 161 candidates contesting the April 28 general elections to commit to improving the lives of persons who are blind and or visually impaired across the country.

In an open letter addressed to all the candidates representing the 17 political parties and three independents, the TTBWA said persons with visual impairments continue to face significant challenges that hinder their full participation in society.

It said these barriers must be addressed comprehensively, focusing on equal access to education, healthcare, employment, and social inclusion.

Key Areas of Focus

The TTBWA said it wanted politicians to “provide a clear outline of your position ”on matters that include the early detection and diagnosis of children who are blind or visually impaired and a system for timely detection to identify children who can benefit from corrective measures, such as glasses or surgery.

It is also calling for a proper diagnosis for children whose sight cannot be corrected, allowing the TTBWA to provide appropriate rehabilitation services and support to improve their quality of life, as well as accessible transportation for the blind and/or visually impaired.

It said, “Safe and efficient transport systems must be developed to ensure independence and mobility,” including tactile and auditory aids such as tactile maps and bus announcements for arrivals.

Access to Education and Employment

Transportation facilities should also be made accessible to people with mobility aids,” the TTBWA said, advocating for access to education and educational resources.

Education is a fundamental right for all children, including children who are blind/visually impaired. We call for your support in the following areas:

– Braille and assistive technology training for students who are blind or visually impaired. Providing braille textbooks, audio materials, and digital resources is essential.

It wants trained teachers in specialized techniques to support children who are blind or visually impaired, enabling them to participate fully in the educational process. It also wants to ensure that schools and educational environments are accessible by installing braille signage, accessible classroom layouts, and appropriate facilities.

Ensuring access to printed material in various formats, such as braille, large print, audio, and digital, to cater to the diverse needs of students with vision impairments.

Additional Demands

The TTBWA also wants access to tourism and cultural sites, removal of attitudinal barriers to employment, grants, and financial support, and the “appointment of someone who is Blind/Visually Impaired to the Senate ensuring that individuals from the disability community have a voice in the decision-making process.”

The TTBWA wish list also calls for the creation of Disability Affairs Departments in all government ministries, noting that the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) emphasizes the importance of accessibility, inclusion, and equal participation in society for persons with disabilities across all areas of life, including education, employment, and healthcare.

It also wants specific legislation for persons with disabilities and ensures that all policies, procedures, goods, and services have a component to include persons with disabilities.

Conclusion

“The Trinidad and Tobago Blind Welfare Association is committed to advocating for the rights of persons who are blind/visually impaired, and we urge you to join us in making tangible changes that will improve the lives of this community.

“We kindly request your response to the issues outlined …and look forward to your commitment to creating a society that is inclusive, diverse, and equitable for all,’ the TTBWA said in its open letter.

FAQs

Q: What is the main goal of the TTBWA’s appeal to candidates?

A: The main goal is to improve the lives of persons who are blind and or visually impaired across the country.

Q: What are the key areas of focus for the TTBWA?

A: The key areas of focus include early detection and diagnosis of children who are blind or visually impaired, accessible transportation, access to education and employment, and removal of attitudinal barriers to employment.

Q: What is the TTBWA’s stance on legislation for persons with disabilities?

A: The TTBWA wants specific legislation for persons with disabilities and ensures that all policies, procedures, goods, and services have a component to include persons with disabilities.